By Bonnie Newman Davis

December 2023

It has been wonderful to speak with two different groups of University of Richmond journalism students recently at the invitation of my former Richmond Times-Dispatch coworkers/UR professors Tom Kapsidelis and Tom Mullen. Students were surprised when I gave them impromptu news quizzes (remember, I taught J courses for nearly 20 years) but they handled it well and, of course, passed with soaring colors! (George Santos and Henry Kissinger were recurring answers.)

I look forward to reviewing the portfolios of two VCU journalism students tomorrow at the invitation of MY former VCU grad student, Alix Bryan. I’m most pleased to attend the VCU journalism department’s graduation on Friday during which our Richmond Free Press intern Darlene M. Johnson will be celebrated! Darlene is such a joy to work with and ‘NO,’ nosey journalists at other news organizations, don’t try to steal her! 😂

During one speaking engagement that coincided with the UR students’ last day, I was thrilled to yell “L-DOC” and even more thrilled when none of the students knew what I meant…except one young man who is from Chapel Hill. Brought back fond memories of my year spent teaching UNC-CH journalism students. Now who knows what L-DOC means??? 🎥✏️📝📡📻 L-DOC means “last day of class”! At UNC Chapel Hill that means booming rap music from frat houses and nonstop partying. (At least that’s what it meant six years ago).

At UR, it means students showing up for class and sharing what they’ve learned at one of the most beautiful, tranquil campuses in the U.S. At VCU, it’s the loud, hustle, bustle and flow reflective of one of the most diverse urban institutions on the East Coast. At my alma mater, NCA&T where I served as an endowed professor of journalism for four years, my journey continues with many of my former students whom I keep a watchful eye on every single day via social media . Such an honor to have an up close and personal perspective on each!❤️🙏🏾🎄🎄